Generally, dementia refers to a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia is not caused by a specific disease, but rather by damage or loss of nerve cells in the brain. There are several types and causes of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. It can interfere with daily activities and decrease the quality of life for both the person affected and their caregivers.
Because it often involves multiple health care providers, tests, medications, and services, diagnosing and treating dementia can be challenging. For many people with dementia and their families, accessing quality and affordable health care can be challenging. Direct primary care (DPC) can help.
In exchange for a monthly or annual fee, primary care physicians can offer their services directly to their patients through direct primary care (DPC), without having to deal with insurance companies. Primary care services provided by DPC include consultations, exams, care coordination, and lab testing. Patients can also communicate with their physicians via telephone, email, or video chat through DPC.
DPC has many benefits for patients with dementia, such as:
You spend more time with your doctor. DPC physicians typically have fewer patients than traditional primary care physicians. As a result, they can provide more personalized and comprehensive care and spend more time with their patients. Your doctor can see you more frequently and for longer periods of time without having to worry about copays or deductibles.
Better communication and access. DPC physicians are more accessible and responsive to their patients' needs. You can contact your doctor whenever you have a question or concern about your condition or treatment. Telehealth services allow you to receive care at home or at work.
You know exactly what you are paying for and what services are included in your membership fee. DPC memberships tend to be very affordable and transparent. If your DPC physician offers discounts on medications, lab tests, imaging studies, or referrals, you can also save money.
Providing preventive care and wellness is the focus of DPC physicians. Lifestyle counseling, nutrition advice, exercise guidance, smoking cessation support, weight management programs, and chronic disease management can be used to manage your risk factors for dementia and other chronic diseases.
In addition to helping you navigate the complex health care system, DPC physicians can coordinate your care with other specialists and health care providers.
A DPC physician can provide you with holistic care that addresses your physical, mental, and emotional needs. A DPC physician can also help you:
Keep a close eye on your symptoms and treatment response
You may need to adjust the dosage and frequency of your medication
Treatment side effects and complications should be managed
Prevent dementia from worsening or recurrence by educating you
Provide you with the tools you need to take charge of your health and well-being
Getting to know your physician and receiving more individualized dementia care is possible by joining a DPC practice. Hippocrates said: "It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has."
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